ATA Negotiations FAQs

How do I get the latest information about the teachers’ strike?

There are several ways to stay informed: news media, official communications from the ATA and the provincial government, and through our division website.

St. Albert Public Schools will communicate updates to families by email when new information becomes available, and how that information impacts students and school operations.

Are schools closed?

Schools will be closed effective Monday, October 6. During the strike, schools will remain closed, and all school calendar events will be suspended.

Even though schools are closed throughout the strike, can I still bring my child to the school during the day?

No. Schools are closed to students and the public for the duration of the strike. Teachers and staff will not be present to greet or supervise students.

Can I go to my child’s school to drop off or pick up items during the strike?

No. During the strike, schools are closed to students, parents and the public.
Students need to take all personal items, including medications, home by Friday, October 3.

Will school-based extracurricular activities and sports continue as scheduled?

During the strike, all school-based extracurricular activities are suspended, regardless if they are on-site or off-site. This includes:

• Field trips,
• School clubs,
• School events, rehearsals and performances,
• Committee meetings, including COSC and parent council meetings,
• Sports practices, competitions, practices, games, and tournaments, and
• Events and activities organized by school councils and other school-associated groups.

Is the St. Albert Public Schools division office open during the strike?

Yes. St. Albert Public Schools division office continues to remain open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

For the most part, our division office is staffed by non-striking employees - senior administration, human resources, facility services, finance, communications, and IT - who work behind the scenes to ensure critical operations continue and facilitate a smooth re-entry for students and staff once classes resume.

Will board meetings continue as scheduled during the strike?

Yes. All St. Albert Public Schools board meetings will continue as scheduled.

What does the strike mean for St. Albert Public Schools' lease agreements and after-hours rentals?

All existing St. Albert Public Schools lease agreements are still in effect.

Licensed daycares located within our schools will remain open and continue regular operations. Please contact your childcare provider directly for more information.

St.Albert Public Schools will honour any existing community group and after-hour rentals already scheduled through the City of St.Albert. 

Will after-hour joint use bookings arranged through the city still be available?

Community user groups will still have access to school spaces during the labour disruption.

Can the school provide my child with assignments and homework to do while teachers are striking?

Students will not be provided with assignments or homework during the labour action. Teachers will pick up their lesson plans from where they left off once classes restart.

No educational programs or services will be available to students through St. Albert Public Schools during the strike.

If you’re looking for support during the strike, the Government of Alberta has developed a parent support toolkit.

What online platforms will be available to students during the strike?

Students will still have access to their email and Google Drive account throughout the strike. However, they will have read-only access to Google Classroom.

Students will not be able to submit assignments or communicate with their teachers or other students for the duration of the strike.

Will work experience placement programs continue during the strike?

Students enrolled in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and Work Experience, who are currently in a work placement, are considered employees. As such, these students should continue their work placements throughout the strike. An email will be sent out to all impacted students and families.

Are the Provincial Achievement Tests cancelled?

The Provincial Achievement Tests (PAT) requirements are set by the province. Currently, all PATs will continue as scheduled.  If there is a change to the PAT schedule, the Division will notify all affected families.

Are the diploma examinations cancelled?

The diploma exam requirements are set by the province. Currently, all diploma exams are continuing as scheduled. If there is a change to the diploma examination schedule, the Division will notify all affected families.

Can I get a refund for my child’s school fees or student transportation fees?

Regular payments will continue to be processed. We will review the fees charged to families and consider any possible refund or credit after the labour action is over.